Meet Lily Balsom – star skier

ACG Tauranga student Lily Balsom started skiing when she was two years old. Now 14 and competing at a top level in New Zealand and abroad, she aspires one day to represent New Zealand at the Freeride World Tour.

How long have you skied for?

I started skiing when I was two years old so this will be my 12th year skiing.

What has been your best achievement in skiing?

Probably last year when I placed second in the under-14 girls category for the New Zealand Junior Freeride Tour.

What do you love about the sport?

I love the uniqueness of skiing. It is not an extremely popular sport (compared to netball or volleyball for example) so I am super lucky to be able to do something that is quite uncommon. The buzz that you get from challenging yourself in competitions is so unreal and how supportive everyone is in all situations.

What are your aspirations for skiing?

In a few years I would love to see myself representing New Zealand at a high level by competing at the Junior Freeride World Tour and then progressing from there to the Freeride World Tour when I am a bit older.

What’s your favourite subject?

I really love Maths, Art and English because of how vastly interesting each subject is to me.

What’s your favourite thing about ACG Tauranga?

My favourite thing at ACG Tauranga would have to be how close the school community is and how the learning is super personal and constantly engaging, which is really good for everybody’s individual education.

Lily is off shortly to Whistler, Canada, to compete in the International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association Junior National 2* Freeride Challenge. Good luck, Lily!